Adjustments

I’ve read a lot about autism. We’ve talked with countless professionals, gone to conferences, classes and workshops. There are so many insightful people out there! We have two sons diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The thing is, I just do not see it as a Disorder, without recognizing that so much of the focus goes to how people with autism are different and need to adjust to every day situations, yet most of us rarely take any responsibility to doing some adjusting too. I am always amazed at how much change in behaviour and emotional states comes when we do some common sense adjustments to the environment. There is a possibility that kids with “special needs” may be barometers in a faulty system that always defaults to accommodate for the majority – like in school classrooms - but we can evolve with initiatives to include everyone, and embrace difference as contributory. There are exciting currents in these directions everywhere.

Miles, Bradley, and Anna’s perception indexes are different, and although differently ordered than the more general population, not disordered. The negative connotation that comes with the word “disorder” causes me concern. They struggle partially because most of us want them to see the world “our way” – the “neurotypical” way. A great thing is, there is a huge concentration on helping kids learn how to self regulate, become more flexible, understand the perceptions of others, etc. and an increasing understanding that we can build and hold spaces that meaningfully welcome and accommodate everyone .

I would like to add that making an equal effort to understand and respect their points of view, and making changes in ourselves and common environments is equally important. We can ask questions. We can listen.